The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-04-27
scRIBNER's MAGAZINE.
Full Of the Choicest and Best Litera.
fure md ShOuId he in Every House

".Seribner's Magazine for May opens
with an article on "The Development of
the Steamship" by commander F.E.
Chadwick, Of the navy, in which he traces
the rise and progress of steam navigation,
aud describes the development in naval
architecture from the early efforts of Full
ton down to the magnificet ocean steam.
ers of the present day. The preparation
of such history, with the thoroughness
which marks this article was made pos
sible by the International Shipping
Exhibition, held at Liverpool in 1885,
where was gathered an unequalled collec-
ton of models and other material illus
trating the history of navigation. The
article is accompanied by profuse Illus
trations, several Of which are from in
stantaneons photographs of the finest
modern steamships in motion.
Those whose curiosity has been aroused
by the earlier chapters of J. 8. of Dale's
Legatee," cannot fail to be pleased with
the conclusion which is reached in this
number.
The Thackeray letters comprising the
second instalment OF this collection were
written in 1S49, when he was engaged
upon "Pendennis," and are especially
interesting from their frequent illusions
to the characters in the novel, and also to
Dickens and his "David Copperfield,"
which was then appearing. These letters
are delightful revelation of the person
ality of Thackeray, and are most impor-
tant aid to the proper appreciation OF his
character.
Professor N. S.Shaler contributes a valu-
able paper On the "Forest ofNorth Amer
ica," in which he displays rare power OF
bringing out the picturesque and prac-
tical interest of subject without impair
ing the scientific value of its treatment.
1t is written in the same interesting style
that marked the authors paper on Earth
quakes," in a previous number of the
same magazine, and discusses the subject
from an economic as we'll as from scien-
usually beautiful illustrations oftrees and
xorest-scenes add to its value and attrac-
tiveness.
"Marse Archie's Fight" dialect story,
by Maria Blunt, finds new motive in
the difference of political opinion between
father and son at the time of the war,
and its originality and strength will, win
it high place in this class of stories.
Mr.. Bunner concludes, with its finest
chapter, his delightful "Story ofa New
York House." This story, with its
quaint illustrations by Frost, has proved
one of the most notable contributions to
recent fiction.
Sable Island is described in an illus
trated article bearing the title, "An Ocean
Graveyard" the fitness of whicn is more
than proved by the curious "wreck-
chart" recording the long list Of vessels
that have met shipwrek and disaster on
its barren sands.
"The Manse: A Fragment" by Robert
Louis Stevenson, irresistibly suggests
that it is notable bit Of autobiography
1t is marked by acharm and originality OF
drawing that will surprise even those
who regard Mr.. Stevenson as unequalled
in his delineation of strong and rugged
character.
"Seth's Brothers. Wife" continues its
mastery pictures Of life In Central New
York, and still further developes the
strong plot that has been gradually re-
vealing itself. Margaret Crosby contri-
butes a short story ofNantucket, in which
she has caught admirably the local flavor
Of the place; and Arlo Bates closes the
number with an article on "Words and
Music" in which he sets forth an ably
defends some striking opinions as to their
relations to each other.
The number also confirms poem, "At
Last" by Philip Bourke Marston, with
a short biographical note by Mrs. Louis
Chandler Moulton and shorter verse by
Susan Coolidge, Percival Lowell, and
Mrs. Piatt.